VALLEY OF FLOWERS –The Vibrant Bouquet of Nature

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Serenely nestled in the west Himalayan region of Uttarakhand in the Indian National Park is the enchanting Valley of flowers also known as ‘Phoolon ki Ghaati’. As the name suggests, it is known for its plush meadows which blossom with widespread alpine flowers and diverse fauna.

Its exceptionally natural beauty, population of rare, endangered and high altitude flora and fauna, the status of conservation and management led it to be declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

For all those travelers seeking visual treat it is true that there are many alpine meadows and valleys in the Garhwal Himalayas, such as Khiron Valley, Har-Ki-Dun, Dayara Bugyal etc that have similar altitude ranges and flora composition such as the Valley of Flowers. But one can say that none of them is as diverse as the Valley of Flowers in terms of floral wealth.

Not only trekking enthusiast and Nature lovers from around the world flock this Valley but it is also a haven for flower lovers, botanists, photographers, birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. They come during its peak season and it leaves them with sheer admiration and an experience for lifetime!

The gates to Valley Of Flowers unbolt at the onset of June and closes in October. But the recommended time to visit is between July and September. Even in the best months between July and September, the trek is not the same every month. The flowers bloom and wilt during this period.

Valley Of Flowers trek, which mounts up to 14,400 ft, is not actually difficult. It is rated as ‘moderate’. That too only because trekking days is slightly stretched. 

The Journey’s Rundown:

Day 1: Steer your way from Haridwar to Govindghat via Joshimath and Devaprayag – Arrive in Joshimath  to halt for the night.

Day 2: Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria (approx. 14km)

Day 3: Trek from Ghangaria to Valley Of Flowers and back (Trek 5km, one-way)

 Day 4: Trek from Ghangaria to the world renowned Hemkund Sahib (4,329m- A highly revered sikh pilgrimage site

Day 5: Trek from Ghangaria to Govindghat, Drive to Joshimath

Day 6: End of the Valley Of Flowers Trekking Journey. Drive from Joshimath to Haridwar

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The Comprehensive Itinerary:

Day 1: Getting to Joshimath – The Pilgrim Hamlet (approx. 278 kms, 8.5 hrs)

Depart from Haridwar early in the morning and steer towards Joshimath which should take around approximately 8.5 hrs it is indeed a little strenuous yet also a stunning mountain drive. The entire journey traverses the mountainside, with the river flowing below you. (Don’t don't forget to take pictures at the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers at Devprayag!)

The roads are treacherously cut on mountains edges and at times, you only see the river flowing in the gorge deep below. You would come across many eating joints enroute hence one doesn’t need to worry about lunch. Arrive Joshimath in the evening. Adorned by pilgrims and travelers alike, this celestial place is surrounded by beautiful mountains, perched at an altitude of 1821 meters above sea level. Halt the night here for a spanking new start the next day.

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Day 2: Trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria(14km gradual ascent trek)

Altitude: 6,300 ft (1,920 m) to 9,600 ft (2,926 m) via 7,200 ft (2,195 m)

Up with the dawn we depart from Joshimath to Govindghat and begin our climb for Ghangaria. As we ascend, the river Lakshman Ganga, flows gently down below. After a sharp climb, getting to Ghangaria feels like an achievement. After arrival at Ghangaria, explore the surroundings in the evening followed by dinner. Ghangria is also known for having a helipad and a few camping spaces. It is the one-street village, lined with hotels, restaurants and a Gurudwara. 

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Day 3: Trek from Ghangaria to Phoolon ki Ghaati (Valley of flowers) and back (aprrox. 6km, one-way/ 3.5 hrs)

Altitude: 9,600 ft (2,195 m) to 11,500 ft (3,505 m) 

We start the trail early so that we get more time to spend at the Valley. We come across a gate where we need to buy entry tickets to the valley. A kilometre into the gate, there is a scenic bridge across a stream gushing below. We pass gently through a coniferous forest, before descending to the bridge, climbing up a rocky path, with the forest in the rear, the spectacle of the first flowers begin to emerge. The valley is gorgeous, and there are meadows of flowers right out of a fairytale! Himalayan Balsam, is the most predominant flower of the valley and a thick coverlet of these flowers can be seen everywhere. The valley is really a botanists’ nirvana! One can find rare and exotic Himalayan flowers, leaves, buds of various shapes and colors, all growing in concert. Some of the prominent flowers that you will see especially in July-August include Meadow Geranium, Snake Foil, Hooked Stick Seed, Himalayan Rose, Blue Poppy, River Anemone, White Leaf Hog Foot and Dog Flower. After viewing one of Nature’s stunning wonder we start descending to Ghangaria. We spend the night in a guest house at Ghangaria.

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Day 4: Trek from Valley of Flowers TO Hemkund Sahab and back

Altitude: 9,600 ft (2,926 m) to 14,107 ft (4,300 m) and back

Today’s climb to Hemkund Sahib is steep at vcertain points and will take approximately about 3 – 4 hrs o ascned. We hence start out early post a scrumptious breakfast.

Surrounded by seven snow-capped mountains, Hemkund Sahib is a well renowned Sikh Shrine built next to the beautiful Hemkund Sahib lake. The lake is surrounded by wild flowers with Brahma Kamal being the most popular among them. The atmosphere of this place exudes a feeling of calm and tranquility, which is most needed after the strenuous trek. Another interesting aspect of the lake is that it remains frozen for six months! Hence not accessible throughout the year. The must-not-miss thing is the hot tea served in the Gurudwara (shrine) which is heavenly to say the least. We will also visit the Laxman Mandir which is right next to the Gurudwara. After spending sometime in this serene environment. We descend back to Ghangaria for our overnight stay at the guesthouse/hotel.

 

Day 5: Ghangria to Joshimath

This is the day when we start our downhill trek, back to Govindghat. The climb down is definitely much easier, almost a cake walk. Upon reaching Govindghat, we rested a bit and then drove to Joshimath to check into the hotel to retire for the day.

 

Day 6: Joshimath to Haridwar

Post breakfast we depart from Joshimath early morning for your return journey. We would arrive at Haridwar late evening.

 

Inclusions:

• Transportation during the journey from the pickup on day 01 to drop on day 06 is covered (Haridwar to Haridwar).

• Accommodations on sharing basis as per itinerary.

• Meal Plan:

  • Total Meals: 5 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners

• Trip Lead will be present.

• Experienced Local Guide/Trek guide will be present

• All kinds of Permits

• First Aid Kit

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Exclusions:

• Any additional expenses such as personal nature.

• Additional accommodation/food costs incurred due to any delayed travel.

• Any lunch and other meals not mentioned in Package Inclusions.

• Any Airfare/Rail fare other than what is mentioned in “Inclusions” or any type of transportation from which is outside the itinerary.

• Parking and monument entry fees during sightseeing.

• Additional Costs due to Flight Cancellations, Landslides, Roadblocks, and other natural calamities.

• Transportation from Govidghat to Pulna

• Any other services not specified above in inclusions.

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PAYMENT POLICY/BOOKING POLICY
Payment Policy: 50% payment at the time of Confirmation. Balance payment upon boarding.
Please note that seats and the rate will be confirmed subject to availability, at the time of receipt of the advance deposit details.

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AMENDMENTS/CANCELLATION

•  We understand that plans change sometimes. If you need to cancel/reduce/amend a guaranteed reservation, please do so latest by 12 noon, 15 days prior to arrival, to avoid cancellation charges. 100% non-refundable should there be any cancellation within 15 days of arrival.

• Bookings made on non-cancellable/non-amendable packages/rates cannot be cancelled/amended. On doing so, the full amount of advance paid will be treated as the cancellation fee. The same terms apply in case if the guests don’t show up.

• For all bookings, other than non-cancellable, if the guest doesn't show up the complete booking will be non-refundable or if they choose to check-out early, one night’s room rate, including taxes, will be charged.

• No cancellations will be taken over the call or WhatsApp message. Please reply to the email of email confirmation that you have received at the time of booking regarding the cancellation.

• There would be no refund provided in case there occur some problems due to government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or any other unforeseen circumstances. On the occasion of any such happenings, we have a backup plan ready most of the time and we'll be moving onto that. There are times when we would have to cancel some activities mentioned in the itinerary but it's only due to the reason that we would be bound by a circumstance that is not in our control.

• If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.) then the participants would be provided with a travel voucher for the same amount that can be used within 365 days of the issuance date for any package worth the same amount. (Subject to availability)

• If a trek/trip has to be aborted midway due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.). In that case, no refund would be provided.

• Tripophile will not bear any extra expense due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.).

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Package Cost  INR 5999/P Ex - Govindghat

                       INR 7799/P Ex - Haridwar

                       INR 9500/p Ex - Delhi (Every Friday) June To 15 Sep